Net gain: Boxers set to enjoy home court advantage

By Grant Lucas

The Forest Grove News-Times, Sep 2, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Jackson said spring practices were pretty strenuous for everybody. Five days each week, the team made the half-hour trip Tualatin Hills for 9 p.m. practices — and returned to Forest Grove around midnight.

“They were great courts,” Jackson said. “But it was unfortunate we were kind of locked in to practice in that two-hour block.”

Home matches were similar to practices as the squad was bused to Beaverton each time.

Jackson said the university did a great job of transporting everybody, but the traveling took a toll on the students.

“Because we had to leave Pacific at 8 (p.m.) and didn’t get back until midnight, it was pretty hard to study,” said sophomore Michael Okada.

Another big downside of the arrangement, Jackson said, was the difficulty for Boxer fans to come out and cheer for the team.

“Having this home support will hopefully help us through a few more matches this year,” he said.

Year-round access

Not only will the new courts increase support, but players will be able to access them year round, improving and honing their skills.

“Without courts here, it was hard to get better in the off-season,” Okada said. “But now that we have this new facility and especially indoor courts, it will be easier.”

Okada said that he and his friends will be getting to the courts as much as they can, even with differing schedules. He’s sure his teammates will be doing the same.

Jackson said he’s optimistic that the new courts will bring out the full potential of his players.

“I think the whole team’s really excited and ready to prove to the university why they deserve this facility,” he said.

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